Buhari, SGF, Governors Celebrate Justice Dongban-Mensem

President Muhammadu Buhari, governors of Plateau, Ekiti, Rivers,
Oyo, justices of various courts, senior legal luminaries and people
from all sectors of the society on Saturday converged on St.
Monica’s Catholic Church, Rantiya, Jos, for the Thanksgiving Mass
in honour of the President, Court of Appeal, Hon. Justice Monica
Dongban-Mensem to celebrate her appointment.

President Buhari, who was represented by the Minister of Women
Affairs, Dame Pauline Tallen, described Justice Monica as a Justice
of good character and dexterity who emerged as the head of the
second highest Court in Nigeria by merit.

He said since her appointment a year ago, she has continued to
demonstrate diligence in handling the affairs of the Court of
Appeal and strengthening reforms towards the speedy and honest
delivery of justice to Nigerians of all backgrounds.

He charged her to put in her best and raise the bar in the
dispensation of justice by assisting the government in fighting
corruption, crime and acts inimical to national development.

Chairman, Nigerian Governors Forum, Kayode Fayemi, said the
celebrant is a woman of substance who has a rich pedigree in the
Bench and is known to be fearless, uncompromising and intolerant of
inducement in the course of discharging her duties.

Fayemi said the success of women like Justice Monica creates
more room for Nigerian women to occupy other sensitive offices and
perform creditably.

Host governor, Simon Bako Lalong, said the thanksgiving mass and
grand reception was organised to honour the Court of Appeal
President and give glory to God for lifting her from humble
beginnings to the peak of her career.

He said the State was very proud of her achievements and has
decided to celebrate her and showcase her as an example to the
world because of her diligence, hard work and the grace of God.

Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Boss Mustapha,
who was a classmate of Justice Dongban-Mensem at the Nigerian Law
School, also sent in his goodwill message asking her to continue to
do her best in serving Nigeria.

In his homily, Catholic Bishop of Bauchi Diocese, Rev. Dr.
Hillary Dachelem, said the turnout of people from all aspects of
life and various backgrounds to celebrate Justice Monica is an
indication that Nigerians can live in peace and collaborate to
build a greater Nigeria.

He called on leaders to avoid promoting divisive tendencies that
promote intolerance, violence and hatred as God created humanity
with peace and love in his image.

Justice Monica Dongban in her response said she was overwhelmed
by the show of love from the Church, people and Government of
Plateau State, the Executive, Legislature and Judiciary, as well as
Nigerians from all walks of life that have come out to celebrate
her.

She said she is encouraged by their show of love to remain firm
in her resolve to do justice to all people according to the laws of
the land and the oath of office she undertook, knowing fully that
God is the judge of all.

President Muhammadu Buhari, governors of Plateau, Ekiti, Rivers,
Oyo, justices of various courts, senior legal luminaries and people
from all sectors of the society on Saturday converged on St.
Monica’s Catholic Church, Rantiya, Jos, for the Thanksgiving Mass
in honour of the President, Court of Appeal, Hon. Justice Monica
Dongban-Mensem to celebrate her appointment.

President Buhari, who was represented by the Minister of Women
Affairs, Dame Pauline Tallen, described Justice Monica as a Justice
of good character and dexterity who emerged as the head of the
second highest Court in Nigeria by merit.

He said since her appointment a year ago, she has continued to
demonstrate diligence in handling the affairs of the Court of
Appeal and strengthening reforms towards the speedy and honest
delivery of justice to Nigerians of all backgrounds.

He charged her to put in her best and raise the bar in the
dispensation of justice by assisting the government in fighting
corruption, crime and acts inimical to national development.

Chairman, Nigerian Governors Forum, Kayode Fayemi, said the
celebrant is a woman of substance who has a rich pedigree in the
Bench and is known to be fearless, uncompromising and intolerant of
inducement in the course of discharging her duties.

Fayemi said the success of women like Justice Monica creates
more room for Nigerian women to occupy other sensitive offices and
perform creditably.

Host governor, Simon Bako Lalong, said the thanksgiving mass and
grand reception was organised to honour the Court of Appeal
President and give glory to God for lifting her from humble
beginnings to the peak of her career.

He said the State was very proud of her achievements and has
decided to celebrate her and showcase her as an example to the
world because of her diligence, hard work and the grace of God.

Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Boss Mustapha,
who was a classmate of Justice Dongban-Mensem at the Nigerian Law
School, also sent in his goodwill message asking her to continue to
do her best in serving Nigeria.

In his homily, Catholic Bishop of Bauchi Diocese, Rev. Dr.
Hillary Dachelem, said the turnout of people from all aspects of
life and various backgrounds to celebrate Justice Monica is an
indication that Nigerians can live in peace and collaborate to
build a greater Nigeria.

He called on leaders to avoid promoting divisive tendencies that
promote intolerance, violence and hatred as God created humanity
with peace and love in his image.

Justice Monica Dongban in her response said she was overwhelmed
by the show of love from the Church, people and Government of
Plateau State, the Executive, Legislature and Judiciary, as well as
Nigerians from all walks of life that have come out to celebrate
her.

She said she is encouraged by their show of love to remain firm
in her resolve to do justice to all people according to the laws of
the land and the oath of office she undertook, knowing fully that
God is the judge of all.